Thieves steal safe from a Prestatyn Church and ruin new flooring

COLD-HEARTED thieves who broke into a church over the festive period made off with its safe and ruined a newly-restored floor.

The incident, which was reported to North Wales Police on the Saturday after Christmas Day, happened at the Church of the Holy Spirit, Victoria Road in Prestatyn.

The safe was dragged across the church’s wood block floor, causing “major” damage.

The safe’s contents including its communion plates, cups and other items of great value were also stolen.

Rev Quentin Bellamy, Vicar of Prestatyn, said: “This is the second attack on the church in the past three months and we strongly suspect that the two are in some way linked. The other incident happened about three months ago and there was no damage, it was though people had broken in and just taken a look around.

“The safe was dragged across the floor so there is significant damage - it is like a pair of tram lines. It is terrible and it has upset the congregation.

“It is the sign of the times we live it – but blow a raspberry at us and we will prevail.”

The church had a carol service at the start of December. Five schools came together and raised £210 for the floods which was donated to the mayor of Rhyl’s fund.

It is believed that the burglary happened sometime over Christmas week. It was discovered on the Saturday morning by a member of the church.

Mr Bellamy added: “We would be hugely grateful for information leading to the recovery of items held sacred by our small but faithful congregation.”

A North Wales Police spokesperson said: “We received a report of a burglary other than dwelling at the church and the matter was reported to us on December 28.

“Officers are investigating and are appealing to anyone who has information relating to the incident or who saw any suspicious activity around the church to contact officers on 101.”

Individuals with information can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.